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AR15.COM
7/8/2026 10:03:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bayonet_shrew][Edited]
Hello all. While tracing some wires on the harness of my 1986 Chevy Silverado K30 (M1008 variant) I noticed a disintegrating 8-pin flat connector with corrosion issues coming out of the firewall.  Obviously it needs to be replaced, but to do that I need some sort of part name, connector series, part number, etc. along with suggestions where I can pick up or order one from. I appreciate all the help from you, the SME's(Subject Matter Experts)

















7/9/2026 2:31:05 PM EDT
[#1]
Cut off both connectors and wire in a new one.  

Most of those old delco (probably Packard electric division) connectors are long discontinued, and we're poorly selected for the task when they were new.

Might be able to find something in a junkyard or a reproduction, but even the terminals dont look that great.  At that point youre changing terminals, might as well use a modern connector.
7/9/2026 2:55:20 PM EDT
[#2]
How serious are you about making it look period correct? If it was me I would just cut it out and replace it with a modern, sealed connector.

It's a Metri-Pack 280 unsealed connector. The stacked 4 way connectors are much easier to find than the flat 8 (they were used as a radio connector) but you can still find the flat 8, it just takes searching, because nobody seems to have them in stock when you need them.

12041301 -female body
12041255 -male body

Sometimes it's easiest to just go to a pick and pull junkyard and find a decent used one.
7/9/2026 3:32:58 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Herc:

How serious are you about making it look period correct? If it was me I would just cut it out and replace it with a modern, sealed connector.

It's a Metri-Pack 280 unsealed connector. The stacked 4 way connectors are much easier to find than the flat 8 (they were used as a radio connector) but you can still find the flat 8, it just takes searching, because nobody seems to have them in stock when you need them.

12041301 -female body
12041255 -male body

Sometimes it's easiest to just go to a pick and pull junkyard and find a decent used one.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Herc:

How serious are you about making it look period correct? If it was me I would just cut it out and replace it with a modern, sealed connector.

It's a Metri-Pack 280 unsealed connector. The stacked 4 way connectors are much easier to find than the flat 8 (they were used as a radio connector) but you can still find the flat 8, it just takes searching, because nobody seems to have them in stock when you need them.

12041301 -female body
12041255 -male body

Sometimes it's easiest to just go to a pick and pull junkyard and find a decent used one.
Originally Posted By HappyTrailz:

Cut off both connectors and wire in a new one.

Most of those old delco (probably Packard electric division) connectors are long discontinued, and we're poorly selected for the task when they were new.

Might be able to find something in a junkyard or a reproduction, but even the terminals dont look that great. At that point youre changing terminals, might as well use a modern connector.

I decided to pick up a Deutsch Connector kit instead of trying to get something in original flavor, and I will just use two four-barrel connectors since I could not find an eight-barrel locally. Thankfully I have a crimping tool that is designed to work with the F-type double crimp that Deutsch pins use. I would have otherwise had to order one as ALL of the local parts shops did not have one. Most had the connectors, but not the necessary crimping tool. Go figure. Thank you all for the advice.

7/12/2026 11:04:52 AM EDT
[#4]
Good choice. I would have said Deutsch if you aren't concerned with it being period correct and want a better than original connection (and are willing to buy/have the correct tools). Probably a good idea to replace that firewall boot while everything's apart too.
Wake up, wake up and smell the ashes.
7/12/2026 1:55:48 PM EDT
[#5]
Painless wiring

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